For some students, becoming a doctor is something they have always planned for. For others, an interest in medicine develops later during university, or they are simply not sure which path they want to take after school. Postgraduate or graduate-entry medicine can be an option for both.
It is not simply a second chance for students who did not get into medical school the first time. It can also give graduates the opportunity to explore medicine after studying another subject, gaining new experiences or discovering where their interests lie.
If you are considering medicine alongside your undergraduate degree, there are several things to think about before applying. From researching medical schools to preparing for admissions tests and interviews, here are some steps to help you get started.
The first step is to find out what different medical schools are looking for. Entry requirements can vary significantly between universities, particularly for graduate-entry programmes.
Check whether your undergraduate degree is accepted, what grades you need and whether you need to have studied particular subjects. You should also look into which admissions test the university requires and how it selects students for an interview.
Creating a shortlist early can help you understand what you need to work towards and avoid any surprises later in the application process.
Your degree is an important part of your medical school application, so try to achieve the strongest results you can.
Medicine requires students to manage a demanding workload, and a strong academic record can demonstrate that you are prepared for this challenge.
You don't necessarily need to study a science degree to apply. Many graduate-entry programmes accept applicants from a range of academic backgrounds. However, some courses have specific science requirements, so check these carefully when choosing where to apply.
Your undergraduate degree can also help you develop skills that are valuable in medicine, such as critical thinking, communication, research and problem-solving.
Work experience and volunteering can help you understand whether medicine is the right career for you.
This doesn't mean you need to spend months shadowing doctors. Experiences in hospitals, care homes, community organisations or other healthcare settings can all give you an insight into working with patients and healthcare professionals. Try to focus on what you learn rather than simply how many hours you complete.
For example, think about how healthcare professionals communicate with patients, how teams work together and what challenges they face. These reflections can become useful when discussing your motivation for medicine during the application and interview.
Many graduate-entry medical programmes require an admissions test. Depending on the university, you may be assessed on areas such as reasoning, problem-solving, decision-making or scientific knowledge.
Once you know which tests you need to take, ensure that you give yourself enough time to prepare. Familiarise yourself with the format and practise working under timed conditions. A consistent preparation routine is usually more effective than trying to do everything at the last minute. At the same time, remember to balance admissions test preparation with your undergraduate studies.
If your application is successful, the next step may be an interview. Medical schools use interviews to assess qualities that grades and test scores cannot always show.
You could be asked about your motivation for medicine, your work experience, ethical scenarios, teamwork or current issues affecting healthcare. Some universities use panel interviews, while others use multiple mini-interviews (MMIs). Rather than memorising answers, practise explaining your experiences and reflecting on what you learned from them. It can also help to keep up with major healthcare issues so you can discuss them confidently.
Applying for medicine while completing an undergraduate degree can be challenging. Managing coursework alongside admissions tests, applications and interviews requires good organisation.
Start preparing early and break the process into manageable stages. University careers services, coaches and current medical students can also be valuable sources of advice.
It is important to remember that graduate-entry medicine is extremely competitive. Not receiving an offer does not necessarily mean that medicine is not right for you. If you are unsuccessful, take time to consider what you could improve and explore your options for applying again.
Pursuing postgraduate medicine is a significant commitment, but it can be a rewarding pathway into a career in healthcare. The key is to start early, understand your options and use your undergraduate years to build a strong academic record and understanding of medicine. Whether you’ve always wanted to study medicine or you’re considering a change in direction, our team here at Icon Education can help provide the guidance and support you need to navigate the process with confidence.